Is this fan right? Did Mariah do something terrible but for the very best reason?

It takes a bold mind to dive headfirst into the wild world of The Young and the Restless with a theory so scandalous, so jaw-dropping, that it practically demands its own special episode.

Enter superfan Anthony Arena, who may have just blown the entire Genoa City fandom’s mind with his take on what really went down with Mariah. If this theory turns out to be true, buckle up — because this is the kind of soap chaos that keeps fans coming back for more.

The Wildest Fan Theory Of Them All!

According to Anthony, our girl Mariah (Camryn Grimes) might’ve found herself in a whole lot more than just a casual night out. Picture this: she has one too many drinks, ends up in a questionable situation with an older man she meets at a bar, and suddenly — boom — flashbacks to Ian Ward (Ray Wise), the cult leader who tormented her years ago. But here’s the kicker…what if it wasn’t just a trauma response?

Our awesome fan suggests Mariah freaked out for a reason. In a haze of fear and survival instincts, she ends up killing this mystery man — and then hides the body. Classic soap panic mode, right? But plot twist incoming: through DNA testing, it’s revealed the man was Ian Ward. Yes, you read that right. Either thanks to some ultra-realistic Hollywood-style mask or plastic surgery, the monster from her past returned in disguise. And Mariah knew — not consciously, but on some deep, instinctual level. She felt the danger and acted out of self-preservation.

And just like that, Y&R would deliver a shocking redemption arc. Mariah’s crushing guilt? Gone. Her trauma? Validated. She didn’t just react — she survived. But this being soapland, things can’t be tied up too neatly.

Is It Too Late To Fix Teriah?

Enter Tessa (Cait Fairbanks). While Mariah was drowning in guilt and secrets, Tessa moves on…with Daniel (Michael Graziadei). Oh yes, we’re going there. But don’t panic, “Teriah” fans — this story isn’t over. Tessa will realize Daniel was just a rebound, and her heart still belongs to Mariah. Cue the emotional reunion. But not everyone comes out of this unscathed.

Poor Daniel, heartbroken yet again, will slip back into his signature moody brooding — because honestly, what is Daniel Romalotti without a cloud of sadness trailing behind him? And right on cue, Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) will start meddling, desperately trying to lift her son’s spirits…only to push him further into emotional despair.

Cheers To The Fans!

Anthony Arena, take a bow. If this fan theory plays out, The Young and the Restless might just deliver one of the most mind-blowing, emotionally charged arcs in recent memory. Murder, mistaken identity, romance, heartbreak — it’s got all the makings of a classic.